Arcadis, a leading global design and consultancy firm for natural and built assets, has been signed up as the lead consultant and designer for Tilal Mall, an upscale retail destination which will be built at the heart of Sharjah’s hitech model city, Tilal City.

The Dh2.4 billion ($653 million) Tilal City, which is seeing increased interest from varied quarters, is set to become the first-of-its-kind mixed-use community in Sharjah.

Comprising 1855 land plots, together with parks, educational institutions and community facilities, Tilal City offers the opportunity to UAE residents, as well as GCC nationals, to buy or lease land and develop properties in the emirate for the first time ever.

Strategically located on the Emirates Road, close to Al Dhaid interchange, Tilal City is just 10 km away from Sharjah’s International Airport and within convenient commuting distance to nearby emirates, with Dubai only 2 km away.

Under the agreement, Arcadis will provide architectural, engineering and cost consultancy services on the project, which will occupy an area of 2 million sq. ft. and will host a range of vital facilities, including a 4-star hotel, a hypermarket, a fashion corner with exclusive brands, in addition to a family entertainment centre, a multi-screen cinema and Tilal Boulevard, featuring a selection of culinary outlets.

The signing ceremony was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and chairman of United Investment, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of Tilal Properties, and Khalifa Al Shaibani, the director-general of Tilal Properties, as well as representatives from Eskan Real Estate Development and Arcadis.

On the new project, Sheikh Sultan said Tilal Mall will be one of the UAE’s key shopping destinations and one of the largest malls in Sharjah.

"Located on the Emirates Road, the mall will enjoy direct accessibility to the motorway and neighbouring areas," he noted.

Sheikh Sultan asserted that the provision of high quality community facilities is at the heart of the Tilal City concept. The development will include a number of mixed-use facilities to cater to all the needs of a contemporary community.

Al Shaibani said Tilal Mall would form a tourist destination and a new shopping experience in Sharjah.

"It will serve the need of residents in Tilal City and neighbouring areas for a high-end mixed-use retail hub," he added.-TradeArabia News Service